XU Nuggets down a notch to 17th; Rush climb to tie for 18th

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's women are 17th, and the men are tied for 18th in the NAIA Division I coaches polls announced Monday afternoon.

The polls are the fourth of the 2011-12 season and the first since Dec. 12. Weekly polls will continue through March 7.

Xavier's women, 4-2 since the previous poll and 11-5 overall, fell one spot in the rankings. The XU men, 4-2 since the previous poll and 10-4 overall, climbed three places and are tied for their position with Freed-Hardeman.

All the XU games since the previous poll were on the road. But Tuesday the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush will begin five-game home stands with a doubleheader against Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival SUNO. The women's game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the men's game will start at 7:30.

Xavier will play more GCAC doubleheaders against Edward Waters on Friday, Fisk on Saturday and Philander Smith next Monday. Both XU teams won at Philander Smith on Saturday in their GCAC openers.

The Gold Nuggets are in the top 25 for the 22nd consecutive time. The Gold Rush appear in the top 25 for the 15th time in 16 polls.

Xavier is the only Gulf Coast Athletic Conference school in either top 25. Tougaloo's men once again are 26th and missed the top 25 by three points.

Oklahoma City's women are a unanimous No. 1 for the third straight poll. In the men's poll unbeaten Oklahoma Baptist replaced Concordia (Calif.) at No. 1. Concordia dropped to fourth.

Xavier is one of 11 schools, one fewer than the previous poll, with women's and men's teams in the top 25. The other schools are Azusa Pacific, Campbellsville, Freed-Hardeman, Georgetown (Ky.), Lee (Tenn.), Lindsey Wilson, Saint Xavier, Shorter, Southern Nazarene and Robert Morris (Chicago).

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Jan. 8)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Oklahoma City (12) 14-0 312 1
2 Union (Tenn.) 15-1 302 2
3 Freed-Hardeman 14-2 292 3
4 Westmont 14-1 278 5
5 Langston 13-0 267 7
6 Lewis-Clark State 15-2 264 4
7 Lee (Tenn.) 14-1 257 9
8 Cumberlands 14-1 242 14
9 Shawnee State 13-3 222 6
10-tie Saint Xavier 12-4 217 10
10-tie Vanguard 9-3 217 8
12 Lubbock Christian 10-3 211 17
13 Azusa Pacific 9-5 184 11
14 Olivet Nazarene 13-3 182 13
15 Georgetown (Ky.) 12-4 168 20
16 Southern Nazarene 11-4 165 15
17 Xavier 11-5 159 16
18 Campbellsville 12-6 138 12
19 Belhaven 12-5 121 RV
20 Lindsey Wilson 12-4 120 22
21 Shorter 11-3 105 18
22 William Woods 10-4 80 RV
23 Robert Morris (Chicago) 11-3 79 21
24 Westminster (Utah) 9-6 71 RV
25 Lyon 12-3 68 RV

Others receiving votes: Biola 63, Loyola 60, MidAmerica Nazarene 55, St. Gregory's 23, Park 20;, LSU-Shreveport 14, Bethel (Tenn.) 13, Avila 5, Montana State Northern 3, Rio Grande 1, Oklahoma Baptist 1, Columbia (Mo.) 1, Montana Western 1, Martin Methodist 1, St. Catharine 1.


NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Jan. 8)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Oklahoma Baptist (11) 14-0 312 3
2 Shorter (1) 15-0 298 4
3 Robert Morris (Chicago) 15-1 295 2
4 Concordia (Calif.) 13-2 283 1
5 Georgetown (Ky.) 14-2 265 6
6 Texas Wesleyan 10-2 256 7
7 Azusa Pacific 13-2 248 9
8 Rogers State 13-2 241 5
9 Martin Methodist 11-3 239 8
10 Southern Poly 12-2 221 13
11 Mountain State 11-5 206 11
12 Southern Nazarene 12-3 191 16
13 Montana State Northern 15-2 187 19
14 Lindsey Wilson 11-4 183 18
15 Evangel 13-4 174 14

16 The Master's 12-3 149 —

17 Our Lady of the Lake 10-3 133 23

18-tie Xavier 10-4 119 21
18-tie Freed-Hardeman 11-5 119 17
20 Biola 12-4 114 15

21 Lee (Tenn.) 9-3 95 RV

22 Campbellsville 11-5 94 25

23 Montana Western 14-4 93 RV

24 Cal State San Marcos 11-6 84 —

25 Saint Xavier 12-4 70 22

Others receiving votes: Tougaloo 53, Columbia (Mo.) 49, Oklahoma City 46, Westmont 43, Pikeville 27, Westminster (Utah) 23, Cumberland 19, Southwestern Assemblies of God 9, MidAmerica Nazarene 6, St. Catharine 3, John Brown 1, Fresno Pacific 1, Baker 1, Oklahoma Christian 1, Wiley 1, Science & Arts 1, Voorhees 1.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

JCSU Golden Bulls put on a clinic in victory over Lincoln Lions

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA - Johnson C. Smith opened its CIAA men's basketball game Monday by scoring the first seven point, and the Golden Bulls never looked back in beating Lincoln (Pa.) 80-63 at Manuel Rivero Hall.

Johnson C. Smith (7-6, 2-1) connected at a torrid pace from the field, hitting 17 of 24 (70.8 percent) first-half field-goal attempts and a season-high 60.4 percent for the game. Trevin Parks finished with 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds for the Golden Bulls. Phillip Wood had 20 points, five rebounds and a block.

The Lions had three scorers with double-digit point totals. Kenny Sharpe led the way with 16 points. Justin Jackson and Jai Kellman each scored 11.

Johnson C. Smith outscored Lincoln 34-24 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 35-24.

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WSSU edges Bowie State

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - Another win, another hero. This time, it was guard Justin Glover who saved the day for Winston-Salem State in a 70-69 win on Monday night over 15th-ranked Bowie State in front of nearly 2,000 at the Gaines Center.

Glover, who was shooting just 65 percent from the foul line, made two free throws with .3 seconds left to keep the Rams unbeaten in CIAA play. The Rams (9-2, 3-0 CIAA) made all the right moves despite not playing with two injured starters: leading scorer Lamar Monger (knee) and forward Stephon Platt (ankle).

"We're just blessed," said Glover, who scored 16 points, had three assists and three steals and was 8 of 8 from the foul line. "We have a coach that cares who never lets us not believe we can do it. He tells us to believe all the time, and that's what we are doing."

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FAMU Escapes With Two-Point Win Over North Carolina A&T

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - It came down to the last shot and last possession against Florida A&M Monday night, and the North Carolina A&T women's basketball team put the ball into the hands of clutch shooter Amber Calvin with four seconds on the clock.

The Aggies got the ball on their side of the floor with 11 seconds remaining. After dribbling and working to help Calvin get open, freshman Jessica Lyons passed the ball to Calvin, who took aim and shot, but it went wide right. Sophomore Tiffanie Adair made a grab for the rebound, but FAMU forward Qiana Donald came up with the ball as the clock expired, leaving the Rattlers victorious 70-68.

"Amber is the best 3-point shooter in the conference. It just fell short," said head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs. "That's who I wanted to have the ball, yes. Even though she had not shot the ball well from the three tonight, she does shoot well in the clutch. She had the open look, but just couldn't knock it down."

The Aggies (7-9, 2-1) tied the game at 56-56 on a pair of free throws from sophomore Tracy King, who ended the game with a team-high 17 points, six assists and four steals, with 8:28 left in the contest. The Rattlers took a four-point lead before Lyons made a pair of free throws after being fouled by guard Kimberly Sparkman to make it a 62-60 game with 3:49 remaining. The Rattlers took a six-point lead following a pair of 3-pointers from Antonia Bennett, who had 25 points and 11 boards, and Jasmine Grice, who finished with 19. The last four points the Aggies made in the contest were free throws.

"Gosh this is a tough loss, but I don't know when I was so proud of these girls. When you take a good team like FAMU, and they executed and we executed, it just came down to that last thing," said Bibbs, who is seven wins away from her 500th career win.

FINAL STATS

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FAMU Rattlers Cap Road Sweep With 70-68 Win Over North Carolina A&T

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - The Lady Rattlers have learned to win big and today they learned they could win close, as they defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies 70-68 at the Corbett Center in Greensboro, N.C. The win was the seventh straight victory for the Lady Rattlers. Quietly, under all of the fanfare of the win, Tameka McKelton sank a three-point shot at the 17:40 mark in the first half to tie the FAMU record for made three-pointers.

The Lady Rattlers were led offensively by the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week and conference leading scorer, Antonia Bennett. Bennett poured in shots from every angle en route to scoring 25 points on 10-18 shooting from the field. She managed a double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds. Jasmine Grice got a rare start for the Lady Rattlers and responded with 19 points on 8-14 shooting, including 2-6 from the three-point arch. McKelton carded 11 points on 5-18 shooting.

Qiana Donald led FAMU on the boards with 12 rebounds. All nine Lady Rattlers who played got at least one rebound in the game.

The game was an important victory for the Lady Rattlers as they hadn't won there during Gibson's tenure at FAMU. "This was a big victory. It felt real good beating them in their home gym, where everyone knows it's difficult to beat them. On the flip side, I don't think we could have played any worse and still come out on top," Gibson said.

Both teams pressed for most of the game. While it made for an exciting game to watch, it took its toll on the players. "We pressed mainly to slow the ball down and work our offense, which we did a pretty good job in the first half. In the second half, I believe we let them score just a little bit too much," Gibson added.

The Lady Rattlers shot 16-36 (44.4 %) from the field in the first half and 13-34 (38.2%) in the second half for a game total of 41.4 percent. From the three-point line, FAMU shot 3-12 (23.1 %) in the first half and 2-10 (20 %) in the second hald, for a game total of 21.7 percent. From the free throw line, the Lady Rattlers shot 5-5 (100%) in the first half and 2-3 (67% ) in the second half for an 87.5 percent game average.

The Aggies were led by Tracy King, who scored 17 points on 6-17 shooting. Nikia Gorham contributed 14 points, while JaQuayla Berry chipped in 12 points. Berry and Gorham grabbed eight rebounds each to lead the Aggies.

The game was a back and forth affair, where the Lady Rattlers could not distance themselves from the Aggie. The game was tied two times and there were five lead changes in the game.

Bennett, who spent the last two games filling other roles, knew she needed to step up the scoring against a tough conference opponent. " I knew my team needed me to step up offensively and defensively. I think I went with what they gave me and played the best I could within that. There's always room for improvement, and I'm ready to get back to Tallahassee to work on it," Bennett said. She added, "I haven't won here (Greensboro) since I've been here, so in a big rivalry game, it's a much-needed win."

The Lady Rattlers will embark on their first home conference stand of the season as they will face the Lady Tigers of Savannah State University on Sat., Jan. 14, at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. The game will be broadcast on RattlerVision.

The Lady Rattlers are undefeated in conference play this season at 3-0. Bennett welcomes returning to the friendly confines of the Lawson Center. "It's going to feel good to go back home and play in front of our crowd. We've got a tough Savannah State team and then South Carolina State, so next weekend should be exciting," she said.

By Florida A&M University Sports Information
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY 

Attorney for Todd Bozeman says Morgan State violated coach's contract with suspension

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - The attorney for Todd Bozeman said Monday that university administrators violated the Morgan State men's basketball coach's contract and school policy regarding disciplining senior staff members when they placed the 48-year-old coach on paid administrative leave Sunday night.

Ricky Lefft, a South Carolina-based attorney, said that neither he nor Bozeman has been made aware by school officials as to why the coach was suspended, and that not being allowed to appeal any action taken against Bozeman was a violation of the contract he signed in 2009. "They've already punished him without due process," Lefft said in an interview Monday.



Lefft said that he read Morgan State's employee handbook "cover to cover" and believes that Bozeman should have been allowed to speak with administrators about the charge before he was placed on leave with hopes of the situation being resolved.

Bozeman was suspended a day after an incident at the end of his team's road victory at South Carolina State in which he made some sort of physical contact with senior guard Larry Bastfield during a timeout late in the game.

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Hawks' Sharon Brummell Leaving UMES Athletics for Georgetown University

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -  Sharon Brummell, one of the most successful collegiate bowling coaches ever in the sport, is retiring from coaching and with it leaving her position as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Brummell, who is in her 16th year at the University and 14th as head coach of the bowling team, will leave effective January 15, 2012.

Brummell has tenured her resignation to become the Associate Athletics Director for Business and Finance and Senior Woman Administrator at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

"I will always be a Hawk," said an emotional Brummell speaking after she informed her team of her decision. "This university has given me so much and I love it here. This was an incredibly hard decision for me to make, but they approached me about this position and I see in it a tremendous opportunity for development and growth in athletics. I had to make a decision about what was best for me and I believe this is too good to turn down."

Beyond coaching, Brummell has served as an accountant at UMES and recently been the Associate Athletic Director for Budgeting and Fiscal Operations. She has also served as the department's Senior Woman Administrator. In the latter role she has helped shape UMES' gender equity plans and been an advocate for women's athletics.

"She has been a second mother to many of our athletes, women and men" said Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. "We are sad to lose such a great coach, administrator and person, but most of all; we are going to miss our friend. She has done so much work beyond her job responsibilities to not only make our department better, but to make her co-workers better."

Brummell has also been instrumental in the community, spearheading UMES' participation in the Relay for Life events in Salisbury, Breast Cancer Awareness events, and even taking her team to local shelters advocating against domestic violence.

LOOKING BACK ON ONE HIGH POINT IN THE LIFE OF A TRUE CHAMPION, SHARON D. BRUMMELL ...


Legendary Coach and administrator Sharon D. Brummell to step down for a new position.

Beyond her tremendous involvement in the daily operation of the department, she will be most missed for her accomplishments as a bowling coach. Brummell was named the 2008 & 2010 National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) National Coach of the Year and has claimed three national championships in her time. Her Lady Hawks won the 2008 & 2011 NCAA Women's Bowling Championship and in 2011 she coached her team to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Collegiate Championship, becoming the first team to win both in the same year, arguably compiling the best season ever by a college bowling team.

Her titles put her in a unique situation as she is the only woman to lead her team to an NCAA Championship and the only African-American coach to win the NCAA & USBC titles. The team's NCAA wins are the only DI National Championships ever won by a historically black college or university (HBCU) women's program.

Her teams have won five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles (2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and she was the MEAC Coach of the Year five times (2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010).

Since 2007, when UMES was the runner-up to the NCAA Championship, Brummell has won 82 percent of her matches and has amassed almost 600 wins. She was won over 800 NCAA matches in her tenure.

Brummell currently serves on the NCAA Bowling National Committee, is NCAA Region Chair, is president of the MEAC Bowling Coaches, a board member of the USBC and belongs to numerous professional and bowling organizations.

Her legacy is demonstrated by her student-athletes as well. She has coached 20 NTCA All-America selections, one National Player of the Year, one NCAA Bowling Most Outstanding Performer, two MEAC Woman of the Year recipients, a UMES Bernstein Award winner (the highest academic award given by UMES), an NCAA Elite 88 Award recipient (the highest academic award given by the NCAA in a respective sport), and numerous All-MEAC Players of the Year and All-Conference selections.

Brummell will coach the team this weekend at the Mid-Winter Classic in Little Rock, Arkansas, it will be her last as coach of UMES bowling. The remainder of the season will be coached by Kristina Frahm, a former bowler and four-time All-America selection. Frahm, an NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Performer and part of all three of UMES' National Championships will fill role on an interim basis. Assistant Coach Doug Dukes will remain with the team in the same capacity.

"I have been truly blessed and will miss my players. I have enjoyed my time coaching each of my young ladies," said Brummell. "I have been so fortunate to have so many good women that bowled for me and they have collectively made me a better person. Kristina is certainly one of those and someone who will do a great job with our program. She knows what it takes to be successful here."

The UMES Department of Athletics will host a "going-away" party for Brummell this Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Peaky's in Princess Anne from 5 to 7 p.m. Faculty, Staff, students, alumni, friends and fans are encouraged to stop by and pass along their well wishes.

Courtesy: University of Maryland Eastern Shore Sports Information

Tennessee State Lady Tigers travel to Cookeville to face Tech

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Tennessee State University women's basketball team will continue OVC action on the road Monday, Jan. 9 at Tennessee Tech. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Eblen Center.

GAME NOTES
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
LIVE AUDIO

THE LADY TIGERS AT A GLANCE

Tennessee State (6-10, 2-2 OVC) picked up its first road win of the season with a, 67-57, victory over Jacksonville State in OVC action on Saturday afternoon in Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Lady Tigers improved to 2-2 in league play and 1-6 on the road.

As a team, TSU is averaging 68.4 points per outing while shooting 36.9 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from beyond the arc. TSU is currently shooting only 64.2 percent from the free-throw line while committing an average of 19.3 turnovers per game.

TSU averages 42.6 rebounds, 13.6 assists and 8.9 steals per game.

LAST TIME OUT

Tennessee State snapped a six-game road losing skid on Saturday by defeating Jacksonville State, 67-57, in the Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Lady Tigers won their first road game of the season and improved to 2-2 in conference play. Tayla Foster led TSU with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Alana Morris scored 12. Jasmin Shuler finished the game with 11 points while Rachel Allen recorded six steals.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Tennessee Tech (5-11, 1-2 OVC) had dropped four straight contests until most recently defeatng Morehead State, 68-50, on its home floor. With the win, the Golden Eagles picked up their first conference win of the season.

In TTU's win over Morehead State, Jala Harris led the team with 18 points while Taccarra Hayes added 17. Molly Heady registered 13 points for the Golden Eagles while Hayes grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Overall, the Golden Eagles average 61.3 points per game behind a .379 field goal percentage (.244 three-point range). Two players average double-figures in scoring led by Tacarra Hayes' 16.9 points per game. Jala Harris averages 15.3 points per outing Brittany Darling grabs 6.5 rebounds per game.

TSU vs. TENNESSEE TECH

Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech will meet for the 55th time in the long series history. TTU holds a 44-10 advantage over TSU and claimed both of last year's meetings with a 69-55 victory in the Gentry Center and a 76-62 win in the Eblen Center.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Cookeville, Tenn. --- The final score wasn't indicatve of how hard TSU played in a, 76-62, loss to Tech. TSU battled the whole night but TTU proved to be too much down the stretch. TSU's leading scorer was out due to injury yet five players managed to post double-digits led by Haynes' 14 points. Gaston added 13 while Stafford had 12. Morris (11) and Hopes (10) also registered double-figures.

COVERAGE

TSU vs. Tennessee Tech will be broadcast on OVCsports.tv. Fans can also follow live stats on ttusports.com.

By Tennessee State University Sports Information
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS 

Tennessee State University Track & Field Teams Open 2012 Season with Ed Temple Classic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  - The Tennessee State University men and women's track and field teams jump started the 2012 season on Saturday by hosting the 13th annual Ed Temple Classic, held on the Wilma Rudolph Track inside the Gentry Center.

TSU competed against nine other teams which included Alabama A&M, Austin Peay, Chattahoochee Tech, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee, Savannah State, and Western Kentucky.

For the Tigerbelles, the 4x400m relay team who consisted of Ashontae Jackson, Diera Taylor, Kya Riley, and Gabrielle Todd finished in third place with a time of 3:57.28.

Individually, Todd finished first in the 400m dash with a time of 57.88. Kya Riley finished in seventh with a time of 1:00.48

Charita Harris placed seventh in the women's 800m run with a time of 2:27.27

Daniecce Ward earned a third place finish with her effort in the high jump with a mark of 5-04.25 (1.6m) and later placed sixth in the long jump and the triple jump with markings of 18-09.25 (5.72m) and 37-11.50 (11.57m)

Tiffany Harris finished with time of 12:09.32 in the 3000m run, which landed her in sixth place. Later in the day she recorded a time of 6:08.83, which was good for tenth place in the one-mile race.

Brittani Logan registered a third place finish with a mark of 42-02.75 (12.87m) in the shot put and a second place finish in the weight throw with a showing of 49-02.50 (15.00m)



For the Flying Tigers, Arthur Combest placed in fifth in the 55m hurdles with a time of 7.62. Combest also earned a first place finish in the high jump with a mark of 6-08.00 (2.03m).

Adrien Hill managed a fifth place spot in the long jump with a mark of 23-01.75 (7.05m) and a seventh place finish in the triple jump with showing of 44-00.00 (13.41m)

Alex Griffin threw a mark of 45-06.25 (13.87m) in the shot put, which was good for fourth place. Griffin later went and placed eighth in the weight throw with a showing of 31-10.25 (9.71m).

TSU had 3 top-ten finishes in the 200m dash. Micheal Johnson came in fourth with a time of 22.53. LeQuinn Davis placed sixth with a mark of 22.61, and Lamonte Burton finished tenth with a time of 22.80.

Johnson had a strong showing in the 400m dash, registering a third place showing with a mark of 50.04. Adivan McDaniel managed a sixth place finish with a time of 9:36.73 in the 3000m run.

In the 800m race, Jamill Jackson earned a second place spot with a time of 1:58.37.

Next up, TSU will head to Chapel Hill when they will compete in the Dick Taylor Invitational, hosted by the University of North Carolina, January 13-14.

2012 ED TEMPLE CLASSIC RESULTS

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS

It’s Not the Battle of the Bands; It’s the War of the States

MEAC CITY, USA - On Saturday Florida slipped into North Carolina and stole two wins. Savannah State, the lone Georgia school in the MEAC handled Coppin State and sent a clear message to the other Baltimore schools that they will not just be the new kids on the block. D.C.’s Howard University invaded Virginia and held the edge before succumbing to Hampton. Maryland Eastern Shore didn’t fare any better against Norfolk in Virginia. It was Morgan State, who saved the day for the state of Baltimore with a win at South Carolina State. Delaware State did not play on Saturday.

FAMU’s win against North Carolina Central must be considered an upset. In fifteen games FAMU had not beaten a Division 1 school, let alone a team that has been playing as well as North Carolina Central. The NCCU Eagles have been competitive against the likes of Wake Forest and Eastern Kentucky; and they even came close before losing by five points at the home of a good ACC team, North Carolina State. With a glaring weakness beyond the starting five, FAMU for the first time this season was able to maintain momentum with starters on the bench and finish the game with a win. Next up for FAMU is North Carolina A&T. Expect the Aggies to go after FAMU’s Stevens and Crowder early in the game to get them in foul trouble. Someone off the bench will have to become more than a role player in order for FAMU to win. My pick: FAMU will win the battle of the boards, but if A&T practices its foul shooting they will win the game. A&T by 10.

Playing without two of their key big men the NCAT Aggies dominated most of the game against Bethune before the Cookman Wildcats showed poised down the stretch to take the lead and the game in the last seconds. Ahead by six points with a minute remaining the Aggies allowed two BCU three pointers and missed two crucial free throws that would have tied the game. Next up for BCU are the North Carolina Central Eagles. BCU has the confidence and NCCU has the skills. My pick: NCCU will suffer a tongue lashing on Sunday and be better prepared on Monday. NCCU by 12.


Rae Corbo hits a 30-foot 3-point buzzer beater to give Norfolk State Women's Team the 61-58 victory over the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, with Joe Cook with the call for the NSU Sports Network.

READ MORE at SPORTSEDIT.ORG 

FAMU Lady Rattlers Dominate NCCU Eagles in 78-51 MEAC Win

DURHAM, North Carolina - The Flordia A&M Lady Rattlers (9-5, 2-0 MEAC), soundly defeated the North Carolina Central Lady Eagles (2-13) by 27 points in a 78-51 rout, today in the McDougald-McLendon Gym in Durham, N.C.

The outcome never seemed in doubt as coach LeDawn Gibson played all dressed players in the first half and a significant part of the second half. s actually led by 45 points with 8:10 remaining in the game, but stuck strictly to reserves in order to get more experience for them going into a tough conference game on Monday in Greensboro,N.C. against the North Carolina A&T Aggies.

The Lady Rattlers followed the lead of Qiana Donald to a 44-22 lead at the half. Donald scored 13 points on 5-9 shooting, while adding eight rebounds in the first half. Tameka McKelton and Kimberly Sparkman added seven points each for the Lady Rattlers in the first period.



Gibson displayed her team's depth playing all 13 of her players in the half. As a team, FAMU shot 41 percent (16-39) from the field in the first half. From the three-point line, they shot 25 percent on 4-16 from the arch and 67 percent (8-12) from the free throw line.

Gibson felt there were several reason to let the non-starters play in today's game. "We have a big conference game on Monday against North Carolina A&T, so by playing our reserves for an extended length of time it gave our starters a chance to rest their legs so they can be fresh. It also gave our younger players a chance to get in and feel how it is to play in the MEAC," Gibson said.

Donald would score 20 points for the game, rounding out a double-double with 10 rebounds and one block. McKelton scored 15 points on 7-12 shooting from the field. MEAC leading scorer Antonia Bennett chipped in 11 points, while Jasmine Grice put in 10 points. As a team the Lady Rattlers grabbed 45 rebounds.

FAMU shot 29-68 (42.6%) from the field, 4-18 (22.2) from the three-point line and 16-21(76.2%) from the free throw line.

The Lady Eagles were led by Kabrina Truesdale who scored 13 points. Blaire Houston would be the only other NCCU player in double figures. Truesdale would also lead the team with nine rebounds.

The story of the game was the Lady Rattlers extending their winning streak to six straight with team play. Donald understands this completely. " I was just feeding off of my teammates. They were taking shots and I just tried to play as big as possible in the inside. It's very important for our reserves to understand that everybody has a part to play on this team. We've got the goal of winning a championship, so winning games is just a part of the ultimate goal," Donald said.

Gibson's take on the game had less to do with the win, but the overall mindset of the team going into tough conference play. Gibson said, "Qiana realized that Antonia and Tameka hadn't found their groove in the first half and she stepped up and took over as far as scoring and rebounding. That's what's great about this team, you never know whose coat we need to ride on a particular night. I think she did a good job rebounding and scoring."

The Lady Rattlers head to Greensboro, NC to take on the Aggies of NC A&T on Monday in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.

By Florida A&M University Sports Information
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

Scores That Matters!

GAME DAY: January 7, 2012

MEN BASKETBALL

MEAC
Florida A&M 62, N.C. Central 60
Bethune Cookman 59, N.C. A&T 56
Savannah State 72, Coppin State 60
Morgan State 73, South Carolina State 68
Hampton 57, Howard 55
Norfolk State 78, Maryland Eastern Shore 72

OVC
Jacksonville State 72, Tennessee State 65

SWAC
Southern 72, Grambling State 59
Ala.A&M 65, UAPB 62
MVSU 67, Ala. State 60
Texas So. 84, PVAMU 49
Alcorn State 63, Jackson State 60

CIAA
Shaw 95, Va. State 70
WSSU 67, VUU 66
Lincoln (Pa.) 70, Livingstone 67
Fayetteville State 76, Chowan 67
ECSU 65, JCSU 56

GCAC
Xavier 76, Philander Smith 70
Tougaloo 65, Edward Waters 63
Talladega 85, Fisk 64
SUNO 75, Dillard 59

CIAA
Benedict 83, Lane 60
Kentucky State 76, Paine 71
LeMoyne-Owen 81, Clark-Atlanta 78
Miles 56, Morehouse 50
Albany State 78, Fort Valley State 71
Stillman 61, Claflin 59



WOMEN BASKETBALL

MEAC
Florida A&M 78, North Carolina Central 51
S.C. State 84, Morgan State 71
Coppin State 71, Savannah State 45
N.Carolina A&T 69, Bethune Cookman 54
Norfolk State 61, UMES 58
Hampton 63, Howard 40

OVC
Tennessee State 67, Jacksonville State 57

GSAC
Piedmont 86, Spelman Jaguars 61

SWAC
Alcorn State 53, Jackson State 51
Southern 72, Grambling 67
Ala. State 65, MVSU 62
Ala. A&M 64, UAPB 44
PVAMU 64, Texas So. 43

GCAC
Tougaloo 85, Edward Waters 43
Dillard 67, SUNO 64
Xavier 63, Philader Smith 39
Talladega 75, Fisk 41

CIAA
JCSU 68, ECSU 47
Shaw 73, Va. State 60
Livingstone 75, Lincoln (Pa.)67
Chowan 66, Fayetteville State 54
WSSU 68, Va. Union 45

SIAC
Benedict 61, Lane 54
Kentucky State 76, Paine 71
Albany State 88, Fort Valley State 83
Stillman 72, Claflin 53
LeMoyne-Owen 74, Clark Atlanta 66



PHOTO GALLERY: FAMU LADY RATTLERS vs. NCCU LADY EAGLES
Courtesy: FAMU Sports Information

Bowie State's Redman’s faced obstacles tougher than Denver

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - The lawyers cost money but they could keep her son out of jail, so Leslie Redman kept paying them until there was nothing left and she had to declare bankruptcy. Soon came the creditors to collect for the various unpaid bills, and they took the car and the house. Her husband vanished, leaving her with just her daughter and her son, Isaac, who prosecutors threatened to send to prison for 20 years. There was no way she’d let that happen.

“We can always get another house,” she told her children.

So if you think the Pittsburgh Steelers lost something big when running back Rashard Mendenhall went down with a knee injury, that they won’t be able to replace him with someone as driven, as relentless, then you don’t know about Isaac Redman, the man who will line up in his place against the Denver Broncos in Sunday’s AFC wild-card contest.  Redman once had everything – big colleges knocking at his door, the promise of a bright career, a smooth ride to the NFL. Then, the schools, the house, his reputation and everything else were all gone. And building it all back has been a far longer process.

“My mom stood by me,” he says. “She sacrificed everything.”



Upper Video: Isasc Redman's Interview with "Inside the Game".
Lower Video: Isaac Redman's TD against Rams on 12/24/2011.

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XU Nuggets extend GCAC streak with a Hall-acious victory

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Keldra Hall scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds Saturday, and NAIA No. 16 Xavier University of Louisiana extended its Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball win streak with a 63-39 decision against Philander Smith.

Hall's third consecutive double-double — all on the road in the past five days — helped the Gold Nuggets (11-5 overall, 1-0 GCAC) earn their 30th consecutive victory against a conference opponent. Twenty-five of those victories occurred in the regular season.

Xavier has won a season-high four in a row and recorded its eighth double-digit victory.

Hall had 10 points and seven rebounds in the first half and secured her double-double with a defensive rebound with 6:54 remaining. The senior center — who was GCAC Tournament MVP and GCAC Newcomer of the Year in 2010-11 — amassed 54 rebounds and 44 rebounds in 60 minutes during the past three games. On Wednesday Hall grabbed 17 rebounds — the most by an XU female since the start of the 2003-04 season — in a 60-59 victory at 18th-ranked Shorter.

Just missing a double-double for Xavier was Jazmoné Kelly, who didn't score but grabbed a career-high-tying 14 rebounds to go with a career-best nine assists. SiMon Franklin scored 11 points to reach double figures for the sixth time in nine games, and reserve Chelsea Broussard scored a career-high-tying 10 points in her most productive game since opening night.

Xavier scored the first seven points, led 13-2 after Broussard's basket at 12:41 and 31-16 at halftime. Hall's basket with 5:08 remaining gave the Nuggets their biggest lead, 59-29.

The Nuggets overcame a season-worst 37 turnovers by limiting the Lady Panthers (1-12, 0-2) to 23.4 percent from the floor and outrebounding them 57-29. Xavier and Philander Smith produced the same rebound totals in their last meeting before Saturday, an 82-43 XU homecoming victory at The Barn on Nov. 20, 2010.

Reserve Latrice Walton led Philander Smith, in its first GCAC season, with 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Nuggets allowed less than 40 points in a GCAC opener for the second time and the first time since a 73-37 victory at Loyola on Jan. 9, 1997. It was the fifth time this season that Xavier limited an opponent to less than 50 points.

It was the last of six straight road games for Xavier, which will play GCAC and city rival SUNO at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Barn. PSBlive.com will webcast the game live.

FINAL STATS

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERISTY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Xavier, with five in double figures, wins at Philander Smith

ANTHONY SIMMONS
6-8/245 FORWARD, JUNIOR
GAME STATS: 16 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK
HOMETOWN: ROCHESTER, NY

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Junior forward Anthony Simmons produced his first double-double of the season, 16 points and 13 rebounds, to lead NAIA No. 21 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 76-70 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Philander Smith on Saturday.

The Gold Rush (10-4 overall, 1-0 GCAC) had five scorers in double figures. Chris Iles had 15 points, Wanto Joseph 14, Nick Haywood 11 and Jeremy Lee 10. 

Xavier took the lead for good in the third minute, led 32-22 at halftime and held its biggest lead, 59-41, after Haywood's 3-point play with 8:41 remaining.

NAIA scoring leader Ken Brown had 33 points, 21 in the second half, for Philander Smith (5-9, 1-1), which is in its first GCAC season but already has victories against defending GCAC Tournament champion Tougaloo and NCAA Division I Central Arkansas.

"Our team was resilient," Xavier coach Dannton Jackson said. "We did a good job not giving their 3-point shooters a lot of room, and a lot of our guys had good games."

The Panthers made a season-low three 3-pointers in 25 attempts — Brown was 2-of-10 and Brandon Bell was 1-of-9 — and shot 29.7 percent from the floor. Xavier shot 51.9 percent and made more than half of its shots for the second straight game after never reaching 50 percent in its first 12 contests.

Simmons recorded his fourth double-double in two seasons at Xavier but his first on the road. He matched his career high for rebounds and blocked a career-best four shots.

Simmons had 10 points and 11 rebounds in the first half. It was 17-4 in the eighth minute after Iles made his first two 3-point attempts and Simmons scored five points.

"We jumped on (Philander Smith) early," Jackson said. "But we did not do a good job managing the clock late in the game."

Philander Smith, helped in the second half by 19 XU turnovers and 23-of-26 free throws, cut Xavier's lead to five points three times in the final 75 seconds. But two Joseph free throws in the final 20 seconds and another by Haywood sealed Xavier's third consecutive victory and fifth on the road this season.

Xavier finished with 29 turnovers, its most in a game since the start of the 20023-04 season. But the Gold Rush offset that with a 47-31 rebound advantage, its best since opening night. Iles, Xavier's starting point guard, grabbed seven rebounds and has 15 in the past two games.

Lee was 4-of-6 from the floor and 2-of-2 from the line in his first appearance of the season. He grabbed seven rebounds in 17 minutes as a reserve.

Damarkus Lipscomb had 13 points and seven steals for Philander Smith, and Bell scored 12 points.

It was the last of six straight road games for Xavier, which will play GCAC and city rival SUNO at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Barn.  PSBlive.com  (www.psblive.com or www.xula.edu/athletics/stream) will webcast the game live.

FINAL STATS

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 

Florida A&M Rattlers Hold On For 62-60 Win Over NCCU Eagles

DURHAM, North Carolina - The Florida A&M Rattlers (3-13,1-1 MEAC), pulled off a big MEAC win today against the North Carolina Central Eagles (7-8, 1-1 MEAC) in the McDougald-McLendon Gym. The Rattlers used a tough defense and solid outside shooting to even their MEAC record at 1-1 for the season.

Reggie Lewis had the hot hand for the Rattlers as he hit 22 points on 8-16 shooting from the field, including 6-10 shooting Dfrom the three-point arch. Amin Stevens scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double. Yannick Crowder led the Rattlers on the boards with nine rebounds.

Coach Clemon Johnson was happy to get his first MEAC win since returning to his alma mater as head coach. "I'm totally ecstatic to come out of there with a win. I'm proud of the team. I'm very excited that I'm back here coaching the team and I think that the hard work we've been doing paid off for us today. We've taken some butt beatings down the road, but I think those helped us to grow up. I saw this team grow up today. We played sloppy at points in the first half, so I gave them some kind words at halftime, and it seemed to motivate them," Johnson said.

The Rattlers were down 31-26 at the half, but battled back with a press and clutch shooting from Lewis to pull even with the Aggies. The waning moments of the game were testy as the Rattlers entered the double-bonus in the half with 10 fouls, while the Eagles only had three team fouls at that point. The Rattlers would outscore the Eagles 36-29 in the second half to secure the victory.

Lewis felt the flow of the game dictated his scoring. "Coach saw that I had the hot hand and he started running plays for me and I was able to knock the shots down. It's real important to get this win. Coach (Johnson) said this game began our new season. We had the Bethune-Cookman game early, but we are looking at this game as the start of MEAC play and we're happy that we came out of here with a victory," Lewis said.

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By Florida A&M University Sports Information

VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS

VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY  

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES RESULT IN FIRST HOME LOSS OF SEASON FOR NCCU

DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – North Carolina Central University missed a golden opportunity to start 2-0 in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) when the Eagles could not connect on five free throws down the backstretch of the second half and allowed Amin Stevens to record his first double-double of the season, while Reggie Lewis scored a season-high 22 points, sparking Florida A&M University to the 62-60 win on Saturday afternoon inside McDougald-McLendon Gym.

With conference play underway, the intensity was taken to another level in this game as the teams combined for 11 ties and six lead changes in their sixth meeting all-time.

Neither team had a lead larger than five in the first half, as the Eagles led 11-9 with 11:42 left following a David Best (Raleigh, N.C.) put back, but the Rattlers responded with a 6-1 run of to grab a 15-12 lead with 9:31 remaining.

The rest of the first frame went back-and-forth, but the maroon and gray made the last move, breaking open a 26-all contest with a 5-0 spurt that was highlighted by a Jeremy Ingram (Charlotte, N.C.) three-pointer sending NCCU into the locker room with a 31-26 lead.

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SSU men win first MEAC game in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -  Savannah State missed wide-open shots and bricked free throws Saturday afternoon. But seeing the Tigers lack effort on defense drew the ire of coach Horace Broadnax.

“All the other stuff is going to happen but on the defensive end, that’s just energy,” he said. “I’m not accepting anything less.”

Broadnax relayed this message — perhaps, slightly more emphatically — to his players at halftime and then watched them turn up the heat on Coppin State at Tiger Arena. Trailing by nine at halftime, SSU did an aboutface and took over the second half en route to a 72-60 victory over the Eagles from Baltimore before 2,310 fans.

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Arnold Louis Leads Savannah State over Coppin State 72-60

Savannah State opened up a lead in the first half and cruised to a MEAC win over Coppin State 72-60 Saturday evening at Tiger Arena in Savannah.

Arnold Louis provided the punch underneath scoring 24 points, including two monster dunks. Deric Rudolph was hot on the day from the outside scoring 18 points off the bench.

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Poor shooting dooms SSU women

The Savannah State women’s basketball team missed its first six shots and didn’t get much better throughout a long Saturday afternoon. The Tigers couldn’t overcome 28 percent shooting and lost to Coppin State, 71-45, at Tiger Arena.

It was SSU’s fourth straight loss and ninth in the last 11 games. Most of the disappointment has followed a similar script. The Tigers are 328th among 336 Division I schools in scoring (48.4 ppg.) and 330th in 3-pointers (2.3 per game).

“The numbers in black and white are not favorable,” SSU coach Cedric Baker said. “We’re a young team and we’re trying to be patient, but there’s no excuse for the field-goal percentage.”

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Chris Carlson: Thoughts on NSU schedule, no movement on offensive coordinator

NORFOLK, Virginia - A few extra notes after talking with Norfolk State head coach Pete Adrian about the schedule.

During the 2013 season, Norfolk State will have four non-conference games, facing Rutgers, Charleston Southern, Old Dominion and Virginia State. In 2014, the Spartans will play Virginia State, Buffalo, Liberty and Old Dominion

Adrian said he’s collected a significant number of resumes for the offensive coordinator position at Norfolk State and will start to pare down the list later this month. He declined to say whether any of his current coaches had applied, but he did state previously that he hoped to find someone with previous experience as a coordinator.

My personal belief is ...

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Norfolk State's road to repeat MEAC crown won't be easy

NORFOLK, Virginia - The road to a repeat will be more rugged than the path to Norfolk State's first MEAC championship.

The Spartans released their 2012 football schedule Wednesday, a slate that includes a bye week in the final week of the season, their toughest conference contests on the road and consecutive road games against FBS opponent Ohio and MEAC power South Carolina State.

"What do you mean harder? It's easier," coach Pete Adrian said jokingly.

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Bennett, Hampton Lady Pirates humble Howard

Hampton, Virginia  -  Hampton sophomore forward Alyssa Bennett scored a career-high 23 points as Hampton jumped on Howard early and didn’t let up in a Saturday’s 63-40 victory in a matchup of 10-win teams.

The game featured teams with matching 2-0 conference records and two of the league’s best players in Howard junior forward Saadia Doyle and Hampton senior guard Jericka Jenkins. But after a jittery start that saw the first first 4:30 pass without a point, the Lady Pirates (11-3, 3-0 MEAC) found their groove.

Hampton held Howard (10-6, 2-1 MEAC) to a season-low eight points and an 8.7 shooting percentage at halftime while outrebounding the Bison 25-14.
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Lady Bison Win Streak Snapped by Pirates

HAMPTON, VA - The Howard University women's basketball team saw its nine-game win streak snapped by Hampton, 63-40 on Saturday Jan. 7. This is the first loss for HU since Nov. 30 against St. John's, and the widest margin of victory allowed by any opponent since Nov. 22 at Ohio State. The loss drops the Bison to 2-1 in the MEAC and 10-6 overall.

The Bison struggled to get things going on the offensive end in the first 20, as they were held to just eight points at the half – Howard's lowest scoring performance since Baylor on Nov. 11.

For the game, Saadia Doyle led HU with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting (63 percent) from the floor. Tamoria Holmes tallied 12 points and five rebounds.

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LADY PIRATES STIFLE HOWARD IN DOMINATING CONFERENCE WIN

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University women’s basketball team established control early Saturday evening at the HU Convocation Center, stifling Howard offensively en route to a 63-40 win.

In the win, Hampton snapped the Lady Bison’s nine-game winning streak and handed Howard its first conference loss. The Lady Pirates (11-3, 3-0 MEAC) also established season lows in opponent’s field goal percentage and points allowed in a half.

The Lady Pirates have also won 15 straight games at home, as well as five straight over Howard.

Sophomore forward Alyssa Bennett (Hampton, Va.) led the Lady Pirates with a career-high 23 points on 11-for-16 shooting, while also tying her career high with 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Senior guard Jericka Jenkins (Lancaster, Texas) poured in 14 points and dished out a season-high-tying 11 assists for her second straight double-double.

BOX SCORE

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NSU Releases 2012 Football Schedule

(Photo: Mark W. Sutton Digital Photography)

NORFOLK, Virginia – Norfolk State University released its 2012 football schedule on Wednesday. Highlighting the slate are five home games, another road date with a Big South opponent, and a first-ever game with a team from the Mid-American Conference.

For the second straight year, NSU will play 11 straight games without a bye week before having off the final week of the FCS regular season on Nov. 17. The Spartans navigated that stretch well in 2011, finishing 9-3, winning their first-ever MEAC football title and making their initial FCS playoff appearance.

The Spartans open the season on Sept. 1 against Virginia State in the Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic at Dick Price Stadium. Kickoff will be 6 p.m. for 50th all-time meeting between the long-time rivals.

The following week, the Spartans travel west across the state of Virginia to meet 2011 Big South Conference runner-up Liberty University. The teams will be meeting for the fifth time in their history and first since 2005, when NSU defeated the Flames 34-17 at Dick Price Stadium. Liberty, which won the first three games between the schools, will return to Dick Price Stadium in 2014. Last season, NSU won 33-3 at another Big South foe, Charleston Southern.

“Playing Liberty will be a challenge for our team, especially facing them in Lynchburg,” said NSU head coach Pete Adrian. “They are always one of the top teams in their conference and we know that will be a competitive game.”

NSU opens MEAC play the following Saturday, Sept. 15, at home against Howard. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. Following their MEAC opener, the Spartans play their final non-conference game of the year at MAC power Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, on Sept. 22. This marks NSU’s fifth-ever game against an FBS team and third year in a row playing a team from the highest subdivision. The Bobcats were MAC runners-up and finished 10-4 last season, including a win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

“We are excited to continue our streak of playing FBS teams,” said Adrian, who is a native of Brilliant, Ohio. “Ohio had a great year in 2011 and will serve as another stern challenge for our team.”

NSU’s final seven games of the season are against MEAC teams, beginning on Sept. 29 at South Carolina State. Delaware State visits NSU for a 1 p.m. game on Oct. 6 before the Spartans hit the road for consecutive games at Hampton, Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina A&T. The schedule is reversed from last season, when NSU played three straight home games in October.

“It certainly won’t be easy facing those three schools on the road in consecutive weeks, but I think our team will be up for the challenge,” Adrian said.

NSU closes the season with two straight home games – against Savannah State on the Spartans’ homecoming on Nov. 3, and against Morgan State for Senior Day on Nov. 10.

2012 NSU Football Schedule (.pdf)

Date Opponent Location Time/Result Details

9/1/2012 Virginia State (Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic) Norfolk, Va. 6 p.m.

9/8/2012 Liberty Lynchburg, Va. TBA

9/15/2012 * Howard Norfolk, Va. 4 p.m.

9/22/2012 Ohio Athens, Ohio TBA

9/29/2012 * South Carolina State Orangeburg, S.C. TBA 

10/6/2012 * Delaware State Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. 

10/13/2012 * Hampton (Battle of the Bay) Hampton, Va. TBA 

10/20/2012 * Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, Fla. TBA 

10/27/2012 * North Carolina A&T Greensboro, N.C. TBA 

11/3/2012 * Savannah State (Homecoming) Norfolk, Va. 2 p.m. 

11/10/2012 * Morgan State (Senior Day) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. 

By Matt Michalec, Sports Information Director
VISIT: NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NSUSPARTANS

NCCU Eagles bring talent, swagger to MEAC play

DURHAM, North Carolina — Back in the nest after a month on the road all the way to Eugene, Ore., the N.C. Central Eagles face Florida A&M today with another taste of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s strength.

The Eagles, in their first season since rejoining the MEAC, opened their conference schedule with a 65-46 home win over rival N.C. A&T on Dec. 3.

NCCU has come up short against stronger, more established Division I programs including Wake Forest, N.C. State, East Carolina and Wagner. The Eagles didn’t embarrass themselves in those losses, and coaches and players from those squads form a chorus about how formidable NCCU is with the additions of players who transferred from major programs.

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NCCU SPORTS NETWORK TO LIVE STREAM SATURDAY (FAMU) AND MONDAY (BETHUNE-COOKMAN) MEAC DOUBLEHEADERS

DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – The NCCU Sports Network has announced that it will broadcast the next two home doubleheaders coming up this Saturday, Jan. 7 against Florida A&M University, and Monday, Jan. 9 against Bethune-Cookman University on both a live video stream that is $8.95 per game and a live audio stream for fans to enjoy the action of MEAC basketball.

On Saturday afternoon, tune in beginning at 1:45 for Eagle Gameday built by Dayeco Construction Co. as Lady Eagles play-by-play voice, Paul Doherty, and former standout Danielle Johnson-Webb bring you live action between the Lady Eagles and the Lady Rattlers, followed immediately with play-by-play voice, Chris Hooks, and hall-of-famer, Joe Simmons, for the men’s contest approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women’s game.

The schedule for Monday is very similar format beginning at 5:15 p.m. as NCCU takes on Bethune-Cookman in a MEAC twinbill.

To access either the video or audio stream, simply go to GameCentral on the main page of the website. The cost to watch the live video stream is $8.95 per game, while the live audio is free.

Stay up-to-date with North Carolina Central University Athletics by flying over to http://www.nccueaglepride.com/, the official website of NCCU Athletics.

NCCU vs. FAMU Notes (PDF)
2011-12 Women’s Basketball Information Guide / Game Notes: NCCU vs. Florida A&M

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It'll be ladies first when Xavier visits Philander Smith

NEW ORLEANS — The order of games for Xavier University of Louisiana's basketball doubleheader Saturday at Philander Smith has changed. XU's women, originally scheduled to play at 2 p.m., will play at noon instead. The XU men, originally scheduled for noon, will play at 2 p.m.

Both games will be played at Mims Gym in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The games will be the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference openers for both XU teams. The Gold Nuggets are 10-5 and ranked 16th in NAIA Division I, and the Gold Rush are 9-4 and ranked 21st. Philander Smith's women are 1-11 overall and 0-1 in the GCAC, and the men are 5-8 and 1-0. This is Philander Smith's first GCAC season.

The games will be the sixth in a row on the road for both XU teams. Xavier will play Tuesday at The Barn in a GCAC doubleheader against city rival SUNO, with the women tipping off at 5:30 p.m. and the men at 7:30. The first 300 XU students with a valid XU ID card will be admitted free; other XU students will play $5 for admission.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: GCACSPORTS

Texas Southern introduces new football coach Asberry

HOUSTON, Texas - Expectations will probably be modest for Darrell Asberry's first year as Texas Southern's football coach. But that didn't stop athletic director Charles McClelland from offering a lofty target during Tuesday's news conference at TSU's H&PE Arena.

"I'm not going to put too many expectations on coach Asberry, other than he has to win at least three (conference) championships during his tenure within a five-year time period," McClelland said jokingly before introducing Asberry as the program's 15th coach.

Three championships in five years might seem like a tall order, but not for someone with Asberry's background.

Asberry was hired by TSU on Dec. 22 after going 40-25 in six seasons at NCAA Division II Shaw. The Bears won three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships during Asberry's last five seasons, making appearances in the Division II playoffs in 2007 and 2010.

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